50 Years Remembrance: Gen. Murtala Muhammed’s sister to unveil book on the late leader
As Nigeria marks 50 years since the assassination of former Head of State, General Murtala Ramat Muhammad, one of his surviving sisters, Hajiya Balaraba Ramat, has described him as a truthful, disciplined and God-fearing leader who lived for the progress of the nation.
In an exclusive interview with SolaceBase, Hajiya Balaraba reflected on the personal and public life of the late leader, recalling his strong moral values and commitment to justice.
According to her, Murtala Muhammad was known for his honesty and firmness, especially when it came to doing what was right.
“He was very truthful and honest. He was strict with what he knew was right. You could not do something wrong in front of him without being corrected.”
She added that the former Head of State was deeply religious and never joked with his daily prayers, while also encouraging those around him to remain devoted to worship.
“He never played with prayers. He always reminded people around him to pray and made sure they observed their prayers regularly.”
Hajiya Balaraba also recalled the painful moment the family received his remains after he was assassinated in 1976, describing it as one of the darkest days of their lives.
“I will never forget how his remains were laid at Magajin Garin Kano, full of blood. It was the last time we saw him, and it was one of the saddest days of our lives.”
“Murtala was a hero. He was killed because he was trying to make things easier for the youths and the next generation. He wanted to fix Nigeria for them to enjoy.”
Highlighting Murtala Muhammad’s achievements, she noted that he played a key role in restructuring the country, fighting corruption, initiating reforms of the oil sector, and relocating the nation’s capital to Abuja.
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“He did well in restructuring Nigeria. He fought corruption, reformed the oil sector and moved the capital to Abuja, among many other things.”
Reflecting on life after his death, Hajiya Balaraba said the family accepted their destiny and moved on despite the painful loss.
“After his death, we accepted destiny and continued with our lives, even in terrible situations. We believe that if he were alive, things would not be the way they are today.”
Calling on Nigerian youths to emulate his values, Hajiya Balaraba urged them to embrace patience, truthfulness and selflessness as tools for success.
“I am urging youths to take patience and truth as their weapon. They should carry the country at heart and work for its betterment without expecting anything in return.”
She also encouraged young people to pursue education, entrepreneurship and employment in order to become self-reliant and contribute meaningfully to national development.
“They should study, embrace businesses and jobs, and be self-reliant so they can help in developing our dear country.”
She disclosed that she will unveil a book on the life and history of the late leader during his 50th remembrance lecture scheduled to hold on Monday at Bayero University Kano (BUK).
According to her, the book documents Murtala Muhammad’s early life, leadership journey, reforms and sacrifices for national development.
General Murtala Ramat Muhammad served as Nigeria’s Head of State from 1975 until his assassination on February 13th, 1976.
He was killed on a Friday in Lagos in an aborted coup carried out by Bukar Suka Dimka.
He remains widely remembered for his bold reforms and commitment to national unity and development.
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